Effects of Heavy Metals on Soil, Plants, Human Health and Aquatic Life

Abstract

Composting is very cheap and reliable techniques for the solid waste containing organic matter. If the compost contains contaminants such as heavy metal then it is harm to environment.  Heavy metals are toxic to soil, plants, aquatic life and human health if their concentration is high in the compost. Heavy metals exhibit toxic effects towards soil biota by affecting key microbial processes and decrease the number and activity of soil microorganisms.  Even low concentration of heavy metals may inhibit the physiological metabolism of plant. Uptake of heavy metals by plants and subsequent accumulation along the food chain is a potential threat to animal and human health. Contaminants in aquatic systems, including heavy metals, stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage fishes and other aquatic organisms. Hence the compost has to be use for agriculture it should be free from heavy metals. Therefore, the present study evaluated the effects of heavy metal containing compost on soil, plants, human health and aquatic life.